Dear Apprenticeship Applicant,

Looking forward to another  year of apprenticeship at Misty Meadows is always exciting.  Each year this program is more wonderful than the year before as the number of gifted herbal teachers grows.  This year you will have an opportunity to learn from several outstanding herbalists, Flower Essence practitioners, Aromatherapists and Astrologers.  As always, we  spend countless hours in the Mother’s classroom, the best one of all. 

The Spirited Herbalist - A Plant-Guided Journey to Your Self  is a 7-weekend program.  We will meet  on seven weekends during the months of May thru October. This is a beginner level, hands-on program. The focus will be on native plant identification and use, accent on plant spirit medicine. The content  is aimed at those who wish to learn the Wise Woman Ways of working with plants in daily living. Learn to understand and work with  cycles of the moon, stars and planets, your body and plants, coming to a place of understanding that everything is part of the same whirling universe, connected in perfect balance. 

Students will spend  time in the garden, field and forest, classroom and kitchen. Students must be physically able to hike through wild areas of the forest, wetlands and hilly terrain, tolerate working in the hot sun and rain. Upon completion of this Level I program, you should be on your way to being able to provide herbal support for yourself and your family's basic health needs, preparing Earth-gift medicines, creating lovely gifts from the Earth that people will cherish, and working your wise-woman ways. Graduates of this program are also fully prepared for advanced herbal studies.

Campers are welcome, and there are a number of excellent B&B's and a Holiday Inn within 5 miles.  Those choosing to stay overnight are invited to participate in optional evening activities including moon rituals,  campfire stories and giggles, a time for honor your most sacred inborn woman’s healing spirit!

Along the way, you will work closely with the other participants in the program; sometimes all together, other times in smaller groups depending on the projects being done. In any case, it will surely be a time of great learning, teaching and sharing.

Herbal blessings,

Wendy Snow Fogg

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Misty Meadows 2009
The Spirited Herbalist
A Plant-guided Journey To The Self

Class Dates:                May 9-10     June 13-14     July 11-12     August 8-9;    September 12-13     October 10-11      November 14

Class Meeting Times:  9:00 am Saturday to 5:00 pm  Sunday. Students are expected to participate fully, arriving on time and remaining for the full class time.  (Campers are welcome to set up on Friday afternoon between 4 and 7 pm or on Saturday between 7:30-8:30 am.)  Please ask for instructions.

Additional Time Requirement:  Each student is required to spend one additional 5-hour day per month doing hands-on learning at Misty Meadows. This time will include gardening, harvesting and processing of harvested plant materials.

Physical Requirements:  Students  should be able to participate fully in all aspects of the program, including  gentle hiking up to 5 miles in field and forest, work in garden for periods of up to 4 hours, maintain a level of concentration for a minimum of 2 hours during lectures and hands-on workshops; all students must be able to read, speak and write English.

Absences:  Group energy is of utmost importance when working together for an extended period of time.  No make up times are provided.  Should a student be required to make up any portion of the class, that work will be done at the convenience of the teacher and at the expense of the student for that teacher's time.  Any student with more than one day’s absence becomes automatically ineligible to receive a certificate of graduation.

Requirements for Graduation
In order to graduate and receive certification, a student must fulfill the following requirements:
            1. Meet attendance requirements                              2. Complete all homework assignments         
            3. Complete Additional Time Requirement                  4. Complete Plant I.D. List
            5. Present final project or pass a written exam with a score of 85% or better.

Registration Deadline:  March 1, 2009

Tuition :                          Tuition is $1595.
                                       $500 deposit must accompany registration.
                                       Balance due no later than May 1, 2009.

Payment Plan:             Please contact us to discuss your needs/options. 

Tuition Refunds:  Refunds will be made only if applicant is denied admission into program, or if written request is made by student and received by Misty Meadows prior to March 1, 2009.  There will be no refunds granted after March 1, 2009.  Any student dropping out of the program for any reason will forfeit all monies paid to Misty Meadows, and will be held legally responsible for any tuition balance due. Should a registered student not begin or complete the program for any reason, Misty Meadows Herbal Center assumes no obligation, financial or otherwise to that student.

Work/Study Program: Work/Study students maintain the gardens at Misty Meadows and must be physically capable of doing so.  An approved student may work for (not more than) $500 of the full tuition.  A schedule will be arranged. All work must be completed by October 1. Please indicate your interest in Work/Study when submitting your application.  You will be contacted for an interview.

Meals:  Saturday evening's dinner is always potluck.  Everyone is encouraged to participate.  Lunches and Sunday breakfast are on your own. Bring a cooler w/ plenty of food. Everyone is welcome to use our well equipped kitchen for meal preparations. Refrigeration is limited so be sure your cooler will keep your food cold for the entire weekend..

Evening Activities:  Attendance is optional. Activities are intended for relaxation and fun; a time for getting to know your classmates.

Accommodations:   Campers are welcome.  Inside sleeping space is only available during dangerously inclement weather.  Bathrooms/Showers are available for everyone.  We are also happy to provide a list of local B&B’s and hotels.

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What You Can Expect To Learn
The following is a  partial list of  topics we will attempt to cover during the program.   Other topics may be added where appropriate.

~ Principals of Organic Gardening                     ~ Natural Pet Care
~ Herbs for Women                                         ~ Herbal Foot Soaks
~ Wild Plant Identification                                 ~ Herbs for Children
~ Planning, Planting and Maintaining                ~ Building Healthy Compost
      an Herb Garden                                         ~ Herbs for Elders
~ Herbs for Pregnancy and Post Partum            ~ Insect and Disease Control
~ Harvesting from the Garden                           ~ Responsible Harvesting in the Wild
~ Bath Salts                                                   ~ Preserving the Harvest
~ Hands-on Gardening                                     ~ Herbal Tonics
~ Herbs to Nourish The Body's Systems           ~ Herbal Skin Care                                          
~ Herbal Oils for Bath and Massage                 ~ Medicinal Preparations
~ Poultices and Compresses                           ~ Flower Essences 
~ The Wise Woman Tradition of Healing           ~ Salves, Lotions, Ointments
~ Infusions & Decoctions                                 ~ Tinctures, Liniments
~ Herbs for Men                                              ~ Herbal Vinegars and Oils
~ Companion Planting                                       ~ Creating Sacred Space*
~ Basics of Aromatherapy                                ~ Herbal Tea Blending
~ Soap Making                                                ~ Independent Final Project
      

            Books:  There are required books.  Approximate cost - $150-$200, including 10% student discount.
                        Students receive a 10% discount on all herbal reference books during the months of the program.

            Materials Costs:  Students can expect to spend $200 - $300 on class materials.
 

I'm most eager to begin our work together!
Can't wait to get started, so get your registration in as soon as you can!  Space is limited.

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2009 Misty Meadows Student Contract
Completed/Signed Original must accompany registration.

I, _________________________________(print or type full name) indicate my acceptance of the terms of this student contract, indicated by my initialing of each of the following items (all items must be initialed in order for contract to be accepted/valid:

_____ I agree to attend class on the seven appointed weekends, and will do my best to be punctual.
_____ I understand that absence of more than one day will make me ineligible for certification.
_____ I understand and agree that any missed classes may be made up only at the convenience of the teacher and
          at my personal expense.
_____ I understand that Misty Meadows is a smoke/drug/alcohol free zone, and I agree to abide by that rule.  I will not
          partake of these items within the property lines of Misty Meadows.

_____ I certify that I am physically able to participate fully in all aspects of the program, including gentle hiking up to 5
          miles in field and forest, working in garden for periods of up to 4 hours.
_____ I certify that I am able to maintain a level of concentration for a minimum of 2 hours during lectures and
          hands-on workshops.
_____ I certify that I am able to read, speak and write English.

_____ I agree to do required homework and submit it in person or by U.S. Mail or email for review, within specified
          times to be set when assignments are given.
_____ I agree to acquire the books required for this program.
_____ I agree to have a valid, active email account throughout the duration of the program and to notify Misty Meadows of any              
          changes to that address.
 
_____ I understand that the facilities at Misty Meadows are not handicapped accessible.
_____ I understand that I must bring all food I will need for each class weekend, and that I must keep that food in my
          own cooler other than when I'm preparing or eating it.
_____ I understand that I will be afforded kitchen privileges for preparing my food, and that I am expected to wash, wipe
          and return to its proper place any items I might use.
_____ I understand that if at any time my progress, dedication or behavior is deemed unacceptable, I may be required
          to meet with the program coordinator for counseling.

_____ I understand that the tuition cost of this program is $1595, and that no refunds will be issued after March 1, 2009 for any reason.
_____ I understand that by signing this contract and submitting my registration for this program, I am agreeing to pay
          the full tuition, whether or not I complete the program.  I further understand that I am legally responsible to pay
          the full tuition.
_____ I understand that giving false information on this contract or my violation of any of the terms of this contract may warrant my
          expulsion from the program.